from the Antique Jewelry University
White gold and diamond ring.
Image courtesy of Lang AntiquesWhite
gold was invented in the 19th century where it was alloyed with
palladium. It became commercially available as of 1912 in Pforzheim, Germany and gained popularity in the mid-1920's as a low cost substitute for
platinum. It is an
alloy of gold with
copper, zinc and nickel. In more recent times the nickel in this alloy has often been replaced by a platinum family metal due to allergic reactions. The different recipes produce different alloys which, naturally, have different characteristics in terms of
ductility,
malleability and
hardness. These differing properties make different alloys suitable for different purposes.
